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Home My WebLink About4. draft Minutes 01-19-22 DRAFT MINUTES DOWNEY CITY PLANNING COMMISSION WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 19, 2022 CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS, 11111 BROOKSHIRE AVENUE DOWNEY, CALIFORNIA 6:30 P.M. Chair Duarte called the January 19, 2022, Regular Meeting of the Planning Commission to order at 6:30 p.m., at Downey City Hall, 11111 Brookshire Avenue, Downey, CA. After the flag salute, Secretary Cavanagh called roll. COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Miguel Duarte, District 1, Chair Patrick Owens, District 2, Vice Chair Arturo Montoya, District 3 Carmela Uva, District 4 Horacio Ortiz, Jr., District 5 COMMISSIONERS ABSENT: None OTHERS PRESENT: Aldo E. Schindler, Deputy City Manager Yvette Abich Garcia, City Attorney Crystal Landavazo, City Planner Irving Anaya, Associate Planner Gissel Enriquez, Assistant Planner Mary Cavanagh, Secretary PLANNING COMMISSIONER ANNOUNCEMENTS; REQUEST FOR FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS; AND CONFERENCE/MEETING REPORTS: None PRESENTATIONS: None REPORT ON CITY COUNCIL ACTION: None PUBLIC HEARINGS: 1. PLN-21-00111 (Site Plan Review) continued from January 5, 2022: Chair Duarte opened the public hearing for PLN-21-00111 and Ms. Cavanagh affirmed proof of publication. Commissioner Uva excused herself from the public hearing due to her ownership of property located within 500 feet of the subject site. Assistant Planner Gissel Enriquez presented a request to approve a Site Plan Review (SPR) to construct a three-unit multifamily residential development, on property located at 10225 La Reina Avenue. The applicant proposes to construct two-story residences reflecting a Spanish style of architecture, with the front building comprising of two attached residential units, each with a 2-car garage and the rear building consisting of one residential unit with a 2-car garage. The units vary in size with the smallest dwelling at 1,180 square feet and the largest at 1,457 square feet. The development is intended for rental use by a single owner and therefore, there is no parcel map associated with this project. Assistant Planner Enriquez stated the item was presented to the Planning Commission on the December 15, 2021, at which time the Commissioners voted to continue the item. Due to a lack of quorum at the January 5, 2022 meeting, the applicant submitted a letter requesting to Planning Commission January 19, 2022 Draft Minutes - 2 - schedule the item for the regular meeting of January 19, 2022. Staff explained that the project remained the same but a condition was added to require conduit for future E.V. charging Staff is recommending approval of this application, based on the analysis contained in the staff report. Correspondence: None Public Comment: None Chair Duarte closed the public hearing. Staff recommended approval of the request for a Site Plan Review (PLN-21-00111). It was moved by Commissioner Montoya, seconded by Vice Chair Owens, and passed by a 4-0-1 vote, with Commissioner Uva abstaining, to approve the request for a Site Plan Review (PLN-21-00121). 2. PLN-21-00139 (General Plan Amendment): Chair Duarte opened the public hearing for PLN-21- 00139, and Ms. Cavanagh affirmed proof of publication. Commissioner Uva recused herself out of an abundance of caution from item PLN-21-00139 due to a potential conflict as she owns property located 10232 Western Avenue. Deputy City Manager Aldo Schindler introduced Consultant Diana Gonzalez, with MIG, Inc. to present the 2021-2029 General Plan Housing Element Update (HEU). Diana Gonzalez, MIG, Inc., gave a PowerPoint presentation to describe the Housing Element Update (HEU) process. She explained, the Housing Element must demonstrate the City’s ability to accommodate the Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA) 6,525 units. She explained that the HEU identifies strategies and programs to encourage the development of a variety of housing opportunities for all residents. The proposed HEU has been an ongoing, 19-month project, which included community engagement through virtual public workshops, an online community survey, public commenting periods, and a study session. She stated, the next steps in this process include City Council action and further engagement with the state’s Housing and Community Development (HCD), to obtain a final certified Housing Element in accordance with State law. City Attorney Garcia stated members of the public who had entered the Council Chambers and were informed that the meetings are held remotely and were given information to attend and participate in the meeting. She encouraged the Chair to call for a recess to allow those members of the public to call in with their questions or comments. Chair Duarte called for a 5-minute recess at 7:17 p.m., to allow members of the public to call the public comment line and present their comments and/or concerns. The meeting was reconvened at 7:23 p.m. Chair Duarte opened the public hearing and asked for speakers or written correspondence. There being none, he closed the public hearing. Deputy City Manager Schindler informed the Commission that the changes in the meeting procedures from an in-person meeting to a virtual one via Zoom, were posted at the time the agenda was distributed, as well as on all social media platforms. He stated, staff would reach out to the members of the public that were present to see if they had any interest in meeting with Staff in person, via telephone or a virtual meeting. He stated the public should be aware that staff is accessible between now and the next time this item is Planning Commission January 19, 2022 Draft Minutes - 3 - presented; additionally, members of the public will also have an opportunity to attend the February 8, 2022 City Council meeting to speak on this item. The Planning Commission reiterated, the public has 3 weeks to submit their comments and thanked staff for their efforts in preparing this presentation. It was moved by Vice Chair Owens, seconded by Commissioner Montoya, and passed by a vote of 4-1, with Commissioner Uva abstaining, to recommend approval of the General Plan Amendment (PLN-21- 000139) to the City Council. Commissioner Uva joined the meeting at 7:27 p.m. 3. PLN-22-00004 (Municipal Code Amendment): Chair Duarte opened the public hearing for PLN-22- 00004 and Ms. Cavanagh affirmed proof of publication. City Planner Landavazo presented the request to amend Sections of Chapter 3 and Chapter 9 of Article IX of the Municipal Code regarding urban lot splits and two-unit projects within single-family residential (R-1) zones. City Planner Landavazo provided an overview of Senate Bill 9 (SB 9) which would allow for urban lot splits and two-unit development in single family residential neighborhoods. She explained that the proposed Ordinance will bring the City into compliance with new state legislation while applying additional objective standards intended to preserve the character of single-family neighborhoods. Public Comments: Staff received one email on January 19, 2022 at 5:40 pm from Connie Pattin, in opposition of PLN-22-00004 Zone Text Amendment regarding urban lot splits. Chair Duarte closed the public hearing. The Commissioners requested a 6-month follow up of this item to see what has changed. Deputy City Manager Schindler stated a follow up meeting will be scheduled within six months to a year. Staff will return with an update on what the City has experienced related to the new legislation. It was moved by Vice Chair Owens, seconded by Commissioner Montoya, and passed by a vote of 5-0, thereby approving the request for a Municipal Code Amendment (PLN-22-00004) with a recommendation of approval to the City Council. NON-AGENDA PUBLIC COMMENTS: None CONSENT CALENDAR ITEMS: 4. October 6, 2021 Minutes It was moved by Commissioner Ortiz, seconded by Commissioner Montoya, to approve the Consent Calendar and passed by a vote of 3-2, with Vice Chair Owens and Commissioner Uva abstaining. OTHER BUSINESS: Chair Duarte made note of the upcoming Election of Officers and asked that it be scheduled for the next Planning Commission Meeting. Deputy City Manager Schindler advised the Commissioners that the Election of Officers will be included on the February 2, 2022 Agenda. STAFF MEMBER COMMENTS: Deputy City Manager announced, the City of Downey is hosting another Planning Commission January 19, 2022 Draft Minutes - 4 - Housing Fair on January 24, 2022 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Barbara J. Riley Senior Center. He stated, Staff has been marketing this Fair on social media platforms as well. The City hosts Housing Resource Fairs on a monthly basis with different agencies that provide support services and legal assistance to renters that need that assistance. ADJOURNMENT: Chair Duarte adjourned the meeting at 7:53 p.m., to Wednesday, February 2, 2022, at Downey City Hall, 11111 Brookshire Ave. APPROVED AND ADOPTED this 16th day of February, 2022. Miguel Duarte, Chairman City Planning Commission I HEREBY CERTIFY that the foregoing Minutes were duly approved at a Regular meeting of the Planning Commission held on this 16th day of February, 2022, by the following vote: AYES: COMMISSIONERS: NOES: COMMISSIONERS: ABSENT: COMMISSIONERS: ABSTAIN: COMMISSIONERS: Mary Cavanagh, Secretary City Planning Commission